Shohei Ohtani’s Highly Anticipated Return to the Mound: Dodgers Face Padres on June 16, 2025
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Shohei Ohtani is set to make his long-awaited return to the pitching mound as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marks his first Major League Baseball pitching appearance since undergoing elbow surgery in September 2023. The Dodgers will face the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, with the game scheduled to begin at 7:10 PM PDT.
Ohtani’s return to pitching is a significant event for both the Dodgers and the MLB community. After signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, Ohtani has primarily served as a designated hitter due to his recovery from surgery. Despite not pitching, he has continued to excel at the plate, leading the National League with 25 home runs and maintaining a .290 batting average as of mid-June 2025 .
The Dodgers have faced a series of pitching injuries this season, with 14 pitchers currently on the injured list, the most in Major League Baseball . Manager Dave Roberts has emphasized that even limited innings from Ohtani would be valuable in bolstering the team’s pitching staff. Ohtani is expected to pitch one or two innings in a “piggy-back” system, where he will follow another pitcher .
Ohtani’s return to pitching is not only a boost for the Dodgers but also a testament to his resilience and determination. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has made him one of the most unique and valuable players in the history of the sport. As he takes the mound against the Padres, fans and teammates alike will be eager to witness the next chapter in Ohtani’s remarkable career.
The game will be broadcast live, allowing fans across the country and around the world to witness this historic moment. As the Dodgers continue their pursuit of another World Series title, Ohtani’s return to the mound could prove to be a pivotal factor in their success.
